What Happens if You Get a Felony?
A felony is a type of serious crime that carries severe legal consequences. In the United States, felonies are typically punishable by more than one year in prison and often result in long-term consequences for individuals, their families, and their communities. If you get a felony, your life will likely be altered significantly. Here’s what happens when you get a felony:
Immediate Consequences
- Arrest and Incarceration: After being arrested and charged with a felony, you may be held in jail for an extended period while your case is pending.
- Bail: Your bail may be set based on the severity of the crime, your criminal history, and other factors.
- Loss of Privileges: You may be prohibited from possessing firearms, voting, or holding certain jobs.
Criminal Conviction
- Guilty Plea: If you plead guilty, you’ll be sentenced by a judge.
- Trial: If you opt for a trial, the case will proceed and you’ll be found guilty if convicted.
- Sentencing: The judge will determine your sentence, which may include:
- Prison Time: A sentence of one or more years in prison, with the possibility of being paroled or released.
- Probation: A period of community supervision, often with certain conditions, such as probation, parole, or a halfway house.
- Fine: A financial penalty, which may include restitution to victims or debt repayment.
Long-term Consequences
- Criminal Record: A felony conviction will remain on your criminal record, often for the rest of your life.
- Restrictions on Employment: Some employers may not hire felons, or may hire them only for limited or menial jobs.
- Voting Rights: Felons may lose the right to vote, and some states may require restitution or probation before regaining voting rights.
- Education and Financial Aid: Many educational institutions and organizations providing financial aid may prohibit or limit access to funding for felons.
- Housing and Child Custody: Felonies can impact your ability to secure housing or visit with your children.
Felony Classification
Felons are typically classified based on the severity of their crime, with more severe crimes carrying longer sentences:
| Felony Category | Typical Sentences |
|---|---|
| Capital Felony | Life imprisonment or the death penalty |
| First-Degree Felony | 10-25 years in prison |
| Second-Degree Felony | 5-15 years in prison |
| Third-Degree Felony | 1-10 years in prison |
Post-Conviction Relief
- Appeals: You may be able to appeal your conviction and sentence to a higher court.
- Pardon: A governor or federal official may grant a pardon, which can restore voting rights and some privileges, but not necessarily expunge the conviction.
- Expungement: Depending on the state, it may be possible to seal or expunge your record, allowing you to have the conviction removed from your public record.
Reducing the Impact of a Felony
- Rehabilitation: Addressing any underlying issues contributing to the felony, such as addiction or mental health concerns, can help rehabilitation and potentially reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
- Community Service: Participating in community service or volunteering can help regain the trust of the community and demonstrate a commitment to positive change.
- Job Training and Education: Acquiring new skills, education, or job training can improve employability and reduce the likelihood of further criminal activity.
In conclusion, a felony conviction has far-reaching consequences that can impact your life, including criminal penalties, long-term effects on employment, education, and housing, as well as restrictions on civil liberties. Understanding the possible outcomes and taking steps towards rehabilitation and positive change is crucial for individuals facing a felony conviction.
